Aegis Professorship Programme
The SPO initiated its Aegis Professor scheme in 2019. Our Professors are recruited from industry, business and government and, as a cohort, represent a hugely diverse range of expertise. They contribute to research and teaching strategy, provide mentorship, and identify synergies between academia and industry. Over their four-year term they provide a wealth of connections to the Faculty while benefiting from University expertise and facilities.
Support from our Aegis Professors includes, but is not limited to:
- Providing challenges, mentorship and feedback in our Aegis Professor Undergraduate Competition
- Coaching staff for Fellowship applications
- Active membership of Industrial Advisory Boards and Networks.
- Advising on University strategy through attendance at termly meetings and formal events such as University Court
- Hosting site visits for students and staff at their places of employment.
You can find out more about our individual Aegis Professors below.
Contact
If you would like more information on Aegis Professors, please contact the Aegis Professors Mailbox.
‘Aegis’ is an ancient Greek term meaning support or guidance. Our Aegis Scheme provides a range of activities intended to guide and support students and staff, overseen by our cohort of honorary Aegis Professors.
Aegis Professors in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
For more information about our Aegis Professors and their work with us, please click on the links below.
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Andrew Humphris, Aegis Professor of Nanoimaging (School of Physics)
• Expert in nanoscale microscopy and metrology – working with Bristol researchers to look for new applications • Co-founded spin out microscope manufacturing company Infinitesima Ltd, through which he offers student placements and support for grant applications • Supports students through project mentoring and careers talks
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John Thompson, Aegis Professor of Sustainable Resources (School of Earth Sciences)
• Consultant in clean technology and sustainability in the global mining and minerals industry • Formerly World Professor of Environmental Balance for Human Sustainability at Cornell University, where he continues to be an Adjunct Professor • Established the ‘Earth Science Network’ of external organisations to obtain diverse views of Earth Science challenges and opportunities
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Rowena Innocent, Aegis Professor of Technology, Innovation and Equality (cross-Faculty)
• Provides mentoring and advice for staff applying for Fellowships • Chairs the Industrial Advisory Board in our School of Physics • Advises on BSc in Digital Science • With her company, Ultraleap, promotes digital technology for education at the University, supports students on the new MSc in Immersive Technology and offers placements
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Michael Cuthbert, Aegis Professor of Quantum Technologies (School of Physics)
• Director of National Quantum Computing Centre and advises on national strategy in quantum technology • Contributes to teaching and mentoring students • Member of Physics Industrial Advisory Board
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Albert Klein Tank, Aegis Professor of Climate Science (School of Geographical Sciences)
• Member of the Cabot Institute’s Strategic Advisory Board, helping the Institute decide on strategic priorities • As a climate science expert, advises staff, students and community leaders on how to apply climate change vulnerability data to research and policy
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Anike Te, Aegis Professor of Engineering Biology (cross-Faculty in Science and Life Sciences)
• Advises and contributes to the development of the South West Synthetic and Engineering Biology Innovation Network • Works with the Bristol Biodesign Institute (BBI) • Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Bristol Centre for Engineering Biology
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Neil Hyatt, Aegis Professor of Deep Time Science and Engineering
• Chief Scientific Adviser to Nuclear Waste Services • Expert on radioactive waste management and disposal, including risk analysis and ethical practice • Supports cross-disciplinary working and industry-academia collaboration, and promotes research impact in this key strategic area for energy and the environment
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Reid Derby, Aegis Professor of National Security Innovation
• Head of Entrepreneurship in the Office of the Chief Science Advisor for National Security • Experience in counter-terrorism, data science, AI, open source software, and cybersecurity • Coach and mentor for technology startups
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Jacqueline Castle, Aegis Professor of Aerospace Technologies
• CTO at the Aerospace Technology Institute • 25 years at Airbus leading on wing and landing gear technology • Ensuring a sustainable future for UK Aerospace
